Differences Between Annapurna and Everest Base Camp Trek

Annapurna base camp and Everest base camp treks are the two most popular trekking routes in Nepal. There are minions of trekkers from all over the world every year on these trekking trails. There are lots of differences between these treks. What are the differences between Annapurna and Everest base camp trip then? Different as trekking days, elevation, costs, natural sources, culture and more can find on Annapurna base camp, and Everest base camp trek. It is also different in trekking cost. Let’s talk here the main differences of Annapurna base camp and Everest base camp trek.

Trekking Region - Difference

Annapurna base camp trek is in the Annapurna region. It is west of Kathmandu. It begins at Pokhara, which is the third big city in Nepal. You can drive on a tourist or public bus, private transport or fly from Kathmandu. rnEverest base camp trek is in the Everest region which is in the east from Kathmandu. The trip begins with a short flight to Lukla from Kathmandu mostly. Either you can drive to Jiri or Saleri but, starting the trek on a bus or jeep drive will be long itinerary.

Trekking Itinerary - Difference

Annapurna base camp trip is 10-days tour from Pokhara to Pokhara. But, it can do with several different itineraries as 6-days, 7-days or longer than 10-days trek. rnEverest base camp is a 12-days trip from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. You can do in 8 or 9-days but, you have to fly back on a helicopter back to Kathmandu after visiting the base camp.

Altitude Gain - Difference

ABC trek starts from below 1000m to and reaches to 4,130m elevation above sea level. There is less chance of getting altitude sickness on this trip. Because you slowly ascend to the higher area with well acclimatized. You won’t have any altitude practice rest days during the trek. EBC trek starts from Lukla (2,840m) after flying from Kathmandu. It is already high enough for the trekkers coming from sea level. Getting altitude sickness is more possibilities during the trip because you reach up to 5.550m of elevation. But, not all trekkers will suffer from altitude. You can avoid AMS by following your guide’s instruction and drinking plenty of water. There are 2-days rests for altitude practice on the way up in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.

Trekking Permit – Difference

Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit required for the Annapurna base camp. Trekkers information Management System (TIMS) also required. It cost 3000 NPR for conservation permit and 1000 NPR (for group trekker) and 2000 NPR for individual trekker for TIMS. Everest trek is in Sagarmatha forest park. So, you need to issue national park entry ticket from Monjo and also from Kathmandu. It costs 3000 NPR for all trekkers except Indians and trekkers from South Asian nations. The permit costs 1500 NPR for the trekkers from SAARC countries. The next permit is to enter for Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. You will take it from Lukla office which is at the end of the town. It costs 2000 NPR for all trekkers. TIMS is not necessary yet for this trek.

Accommodation – Difference

There are lots of guesthouses on both trekking trail. Everest is easier to get accommodation, and you don’t need to share accommodation with other unknown people. But you might have to share for a few nights near to the base camp if you are single and in busy trekking season. You have to pay for a hot shower in the Everest from beginning to the end. Annapurna is free in most of the places except a couple of nights around higher areas.